Social Anxiety
Social anxiety affects 10% of the UK population, so if you’re dreading events and activities, you are certainly not alone. Fortunately, there are ways you can take control of your social phobia so that you can survive and thrive this festive season.
Do you have social anxiety?
Social anxiety, or social phobia, is a condition where you have an overwhelming fear of social situations. It is something that can manifest in everyday activities which can cause issues with relationships, work and day-to-day living. It can affect your self-esteem and confidence too.
Common signs of social anxiety include;
Avoiding parties or group conversations
Dreading speaking to someone on the phone
Fear of meeting strangers or starting conversations
Having panic attacks in social situations
Feeling physically sick or having palpitations at the thought of an upcoming event
Being scared of criticism, judgement and having critically low self-esteem
Not making eye contact or interacting with others
Being unable to do things when people are watching you
Constantly worrying and believing you will do something embarrassing.
If you believe you have social phobia, then there is lots of help and a wide range of therapies available to help you overcome or manage your symptoms so that it doesn’t affect your quality of life. You don’t have to avoid social situations, and it certainly does not have to take over your whole life.
Managing social anxiety during the festive season
Give yourself downtime
The festive season can feel like you’re rushing from one event to the next. This, in itself, can feel overwhelming. So, if your schedule is too demanding, cut back on the events you don’t want to go to and focus your attention on the ones you do want to attend. Before each event, make sure you give yourself a couple of hours free. This much-needed downtime can help you to relax. It also means you can get ready without rushing, so you feel prepared and in control.
A relaxing bath or an invigorating workout can help to release your feel-good endorphins so you can start the event positively.
Plan in advance
From your outfit to transport and even conversation starters or gifts, having a plan in advance of the event can help to minimise the nerves. Make sure to ask in advance about the dress code if it is not clear. Then plan an outfit that fits the brief, looks great, and feel completely comfortable in.
It can also help to arrange to meet someone before the event so that you can arrive together. Having someone with you can help to reduce the fear of walking into a room full of people. It can also curb any concerns about transport, such as being late, if you plan your journey.
People watch
You don’t have to throw yourself into every conversation and taking a step back to be an observer can help to decrease your anxiety. Watching people dance without a care in the world or acting silly can help to lower your stress levels and reduce your anxiety as you can see that there is nothing to worry about.
Practice breathing techniques
Having some go-to anxiety-calming tools at your disposal can help with social situations. This is because you know you are armed with techniques that can help to lower your stress levels. Breathing techniques or tapping can both be really easy to implement. What’s more, they’re subtle too, so you won’t feel like you are making a scene.
During my blended therapy for anxiety, I teach my clients a range of therapeutic tools that they can use in social situations. To find out more, email info@bsinclairhypno.com to book a free consultation.
Be helpful
A host will often appreciate an offer to lend a hand. What’s more, it gives you a sense of purpose if you are feeling uncomfortable in a situation. You are still engaging and socialising, but with an action to distract you, you may find it easier to socialise and make conversation.
Avoid alcohol
It is easy to use alcohol as a crutch to get through social events. However, alcohol can increase the symptoms of anxiety. It can help to set a limit of how much you will drink in advance, so you can join in with a toast if you want to but still feel in control.
Normalise it
There is no shame in social anxiety. If you are open about it, you may meet like-minded people at an event. This can help to reduce your anxieties if you know other people are feeling the same way. Lots of people suffer from anxieties and the more we share to normalise, the more support there is for others who are suffering.
Hypnotherapy Anxiety
Does Hypnosis work for anxiety and nervousness? Hypnosis for anxiety and nervousness is a very safe, natural and effective way to reduce anxious feelings and related symptoms such as panic, loss of control, trembling, fear, dizziness, irritability, restlessness, unable to concentrate, feeling low, irrational thoughts etc.
With a combination of hypnotherapy and coaching, the Hypnotherapy Anxiety London program helps you to feel calm, at ease and balanced whilst dissolving the Anxiety and related Anxiety symptoms at the root. Different forms of anxiety and nervousness I treat using the Hypnotherapy Anxiety London program include:
Hypnotherapy for Social anxiety and nervousness in social situations, parties, dinners, romantic dates etc
Performance anxiety and nervousness in personal and professional areas
Exams, tests, assessments, audition anxiety and nervousness waiting for exam and audition results
Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Fears
Interview, career, job promotion anxiety and nervousness about work in general
Driving test anxiety, nervous drivers including new drivers
Public speaking anxiety and nervousness
General anxiety and low mood
Many other forms of anxiety can be treated with the Hypnotherapy Anxiety London
